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http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2011/01/rashard-lewis-settling-into-le.html#more

I remember doing a lot of posters about team captain and how Lewis should be one. Well, maybe Kirk going out just made this easy to happen, but it would seem hard to turn back after doing this. He is the vet leader of this team.
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Rashard Lewis settling into leadership role
By Gene Wang

The Washington Wizards have been without an established leader in the locker room for an extended stretch dating from last season, when Antawn Jamison capably filled that role. Now it appears Rashard Lewis is in line to become the team's next steadying influence both on and off the court.

Coach Flip Saunders sent Lewis out as a captain before last night's 85-83 win against Boston, and he responded with game highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Lewis's leadership, however, manifested itself in much more than mere statistics. The two-time all-star with Orlando played at a high level despite tendinitis in his right knee that was compounded by a second game in as many nights.

"I'm feeling more comfortable being with the team and being a leader with a lot of these young guys on the team," Lewis said. "Just got to keep talking to these guys. Not only talking, but you have to lead by example, by going out there and doing the right things and putting in the work."

"What is he is more than anything, he's a leader," Coach Flip Saunders said. "Everyone has always said he's pretty quiet, but he's been pretty outspoken in that he's been very vocal with our players, our young guys. . . . When things are down, he's the one guy that is always trying to push the guys up."

I think it is relevant to focus on the roster since we add Lewis since Gil would have influenced that other games and Wall missed a lot of games. Also looking at the time since Lewis was added is a better picture of what players like Wall look like with other teams adjusting to them. This is the team we have. Lets start with the team from day one of Lewis being added which isn't allowing for no gelling of him or him starting.

All game 7-10
With him as the starter 7-9
With him as the starter and Dray playing 7-8
With him as the starter and Dray playing and a PG to back up Wall 7-7

So Wall, Nick, Lewis, Dray, McGee and any PG to back Wall up is 7-7

Of those game when McGee gets 10 rebounds they are 4-0
Of those game when McGee gets 9 + shots they are 3-0
Of those game when McGee gets 9 + shots or 10 they are 6-0

So it looks like if they have their starting roster and a back up PG

Wall, Nick, Lewis, Dray, McGee and any PG to back Wall

And McGee is having an impact with shot attempt and/or rebounds, then they win 100% of the time.

Seeing as this team needs rebounds, I vote for Flip staying on him about rebounding first. It's not going to cut it if he is in early foul trouble or games like Charlotte where he was 25 min 3-4 shooting and only 1 rebound against Kwame.

I hope Lewis can help get through to McGee. He out rebounded him 11 to 6 in 4 less minutes against Boston and he had 12 rebounds in 38 minutes to McGees 3 rebounds in 21 minutes.

It sure is nice to have a leader who is also a rebounder. Kirk and Wall as captains ? Two PG ? One a Rookie ? I like the team better with Lewis as the leader.

Maybe eventually he can help McGee learn to take a higher release on his shot but for now I just hope he is getting on him about being focused, consistent and rebounding.

I like Lewis. I'd like him even better on a renegotiated contract.

...and where's the Knick gamethread?!? I'll be at MSG holding up a Wizboard Rocks sign!

I miss having Lewis on the team. Dude was a class act, great locker room guy, and a real fan favorite even despite his struggles.

I'm glad to see him having an impact on your team.

Thanks for stopping by to give Lewis some props.

Yeah, a lot of Wiz fans really appreciate the dude. He seems like a class act and he is an upgrade to the captain he is replacing who was AJ who got traded last year which left a void. The Wizards really needed a person like that on the team since they are so young. Difference is, Lewis is a little younger, plays better defense, he is more mobile and he has that groovy facial hair. I think he may be able to connect with the Wizards younger players better.

With the Wizards only having two PGs as Captains, and one being a 20 yr old rookie, I think they were lacking in what they needed in leadership. Lewis as a 6-10 SF/PF and 2 time AS who is stepping up his game by rebounding more and defending, so he is leading by example and by his words. Kirk can be the elder guard now with Sam, and Lewis can focus more on the bigs like Dray, McGee, Seraphin, Yi, and Armstrong. How the bigs play for the Wiz is key to their success. It is their Achilles heal.

Adding Lewis as a captain also takes some pressure off of Wall who already has plenty of his plate without trying to be a leader of players with more experience then him. Then in a week the Wiz get Howard back which should add more vet leadership and more D. Lewis and Howard or Lewis, Howard and Kirk seem like a solid vet core.

Lewis seems to have that focus this team lacked. Loved how after a win he said he wanted to play the next game on the road instead of another home game. Sometimes words are just words, but somethings words really matter. Just look at MLK. Some words can move mountains. I'm not saying Lewis is MLK, just trying to make a point. Words and actions matter.

Lets see if Lewis can keep these guys focused enough to win their first road game.

If this is to much the same as the appreciation thread then hopefully the modes merge it.

I don't want to jack up my hopes for tonight's game but I do feel better with Lewis being a identified clear leader of this team.

Hey Mods

Clean up on isle 4 please.